Are you struggling to format your 64gb USB to FAT32? You’re not alone. Many people encounter issues when trying to format a USB drive to FAT32, especially when the drive is larger than 32gb. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully format your 64gb USB to FAT32.
Why Format a USB to FAT32?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand why you may want to format your USB to FAT32 in the first place.
FAT32 is a file system that is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This means that if you want to use your USB drive on both a Windows and Mac computer, formatting it to FAT32 is the best option.
Additionally, FAT32 has a maximum file size limit of 4gb, which may be useful if you want to use your USB drive to transfer files between devices that have a file size limit.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before formatting your USB drive, it’s essential to back up any important data that you have on it. Formatting will erase all data on the drive, so it’s crucial to save any important files before proceeding.
Step 2: Download a Formatting Tool
To format your 64gb USB to FAT32, you’ll need to use a third-party formatting tool. There are many free tools available online, such as EaseUS Partition Master, MiniTool Partition Wizard, and FAT32 Format. Choose the one that best suits your needs and download it onto your computer.
Step 3: Connect Your USB Drive to Your Computer
Connect your USB drive to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure that your computer recognizes the drive and assigns it a drive letter.
Step 4: Open the Formatting Tool
Open the formatting tool that you downloaded in step 2. Most tools have a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use.
Step 5: Select Your USB Drive
In the formatting tool, select your USB drive from the list of available drives. Make sure that you have selected the correct drive, as formatting will erase all data on the selected drive.
Step 6: Choose FAT32 as the File System
Next, you’ll need to select FAT32 as the file system for your USB drive. In some tools, this option may be labeled as “FAT” or “FAT32 (Default).” Make sure to choose the correct option, as selecting the wrong file system can cause issues with your USB drive.
Step 7: Adjust Other Settings (Optional)
Some formatting tools may have additional settings that you can adjust, such as cluster size or volume label. These settings are optional, and you can leave them as default if you’re not sure what they mean.
Step 8: Start the Formatting Process
Once you have selected the correct file system and adjusted any optional settings, you can start the formatting process. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your USB drive.
Step 9: Confirm the Formatting
After the formatting process is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message. Make sure to read the message carefully and confirm that you want to proceed with the formatting.
Step 10: Safely Eject Your USB Drive
Once the formatting is complete, safely eject your USB drive from your computer. This will ensure that all data is written to the drive and prevent any potential data loss.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while formatting your 64gb USB to FAT32, here are some troubleshooting tips that may help:
- Make sure that your USB drive is not write-protected. Some USB drives have a physical switch that can be toggled to enable or disable write protection. If your USB drive is write-protected, you won’t be able to format it.
- Try using a different formatting tool. If one tool doesn’t work, try using a different one. Some tools may work better with certain USB drives.
- Check for errors on your USB drive. If your USB drive has any errors, it may prevent you from formatting it. Use a disk checking tool to scan for and fix any errors on your drive before attempting to format it again.
Conclusion
Formatting a 64gb USB to FAT32 may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and steps, it can be done easily. Remember to always back up your data before formatting and to safely eject your USB drive after the process is complete. With these tips, you’ll be able to successfully format your USB drive to FAT32 and use it on both Windows and Mac computers.
